Hi everyone this is Haley Smilow and this is my page dedicated to all things baseball. You will find things on this blog from my families quest to visit all 30 MLB ballparks, some pictures from our trips, and player interviews.

You might say Eric Young Jr. has baseball in his blood. Growing up he became acquainted with the game early by watching his father, Eric Young Sr., play for the Dodgers, Rockies, Blue Jays, and Cubs, among other teams. Eric Young Jr. (or EY2., as he is known) was a multi-sport athlete in high school, but ultimately decided to pursue baseball. He played one year of college ball at Chandler Gilbert Community College before following in his father’s footsteps and being drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 30th round of the 2003 draft. EY2 steadily worked his way through the minor leagues, posting solid batting averages at every level and catching the eyes of the Rockies’ front office, which resulted in his major league debut in 2009. In 158 career major league games EY2 has posted a line of .246/.324/.295 and spent time playing second base and patrolling the outfield. This year the 26-year old will again look to provide the Rockies with production off the bench.

i had a chance to chat with Eric Young Jr., and discovered his favorite foods, his go-to songs on his iPod, and what it means to him to share so many baseball memories with his father.

INTERVIEW WITH AJ PIERZYNSKI

Playing in his 14th season in the major leagues the White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is the guy other teams love to hate for his particular brand of competition, but they obviously like having him around on the South Side. He is a 2x American League All-Star that played a vital role in the 2005 World Series Championship.

Despite his reputation of being Public Enemy No. 1, Pierzynski is only hungry to win. This reputation only applies to his on field play but off the field A.J. is “not what people think.”

I had a chance to sit down with A.J. before a game and talk baseball, but discovered the White Sox catcher is one of the most genuine, honest and appreciative guys playing baseball today. He is just a regular guy who likes to have fun and doesn’t like the cold weather.

THE GRANDY MAN CAN

Playing in his second season with the New York Yankees, Curtis Granderson proved why he is one of the best center fielders in baseball as he puts up Most Valuable Player-type number in 2011.

The Chicago native set career high in runs (136), home runs (41), RBIs (119) and walks (85). Granderson led the majors in runs, the American League in RBIs, and he even challenged Toronto’s Jose Bautista for the MLB home run crown.

While Granderson may be better known for his bat, speed, glove and overall athleticism, he excels even more off the field. He currently represented MLB at the White House in their anti-obesity effort, and he created the Grand kids Foundation to focus on improving the educational experience for young boys and girls nationwide.

I got to sit down with Curtis before a game in July 2011 before our family’s baseball trip across the Midwest. Of course, the two talked baseball, but I also discovered the Yankees center fielder is a huge WWE fan along with being a published author and an all-around nice guy.

This blog page is shared by Haley Smilow and my father Marc Smilow who started my love of baseball. I was born in New York City and I am a Yankees fan but love the game of baseball. My family started a mission in 2011 to visit all 30 ball parks over the next 4 years. In August of 2011 we headed out on our trip visiting, Miller Park, US Cellular Field, Wrigley, Busch Stadium, Kauffman Stadium, and Target Field. This summer we are back at it again. If you want to follow us on our journey check out our other website at Home Field Advantage. (But please understand my father can never seem to get the site finished but it is a great start.) My blog page is dedicated to my player interviews, and behind the scenes of the MLB from a kids prospective. HOPE YOU ENJOY IT…. HALEY

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